Functional Decorative Brooch Skirt Weights

ABSTRACT

This patent discloses the design elements to manufacture functional decorative brooch skirt weights. Brooch skirt weights prevent a skirt, short dress, or other garment from blowing up in a breeze. Each set of skirt weights consists of two decorative brooches and a method of attaching them to the skirt hem that preferably does not put holes in a garment, such as a set of magnets, a clamp, clasp, pinch clasp, clip, tie-clip, money clip, or other similar attachment.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to functional decorative brooches used asskirt weights to keep a woman's skirt or short dress down on a breezyday. A set of skirt weights consists of two decorative brooches and amethod of attachment that preferably does not put holes in a garment.The preferred methods of attachment requires a set of two magnets whereone magnet is attached to the back of a brooch and the other is partnermagnet, however other methods of attachment may include a pinch clasp,clip, tie-clip, money clip style, or other clamp mechanism attached tothe back of the brooch. For optimal performance, use two skirt weightsets; place one set on the left side of the skirt and the other set onthe right side of the skit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Each day when a woman chooses which clothes to wear she often bases herdecision on the weather outside. If she knows the weather is unpleasantor may become unpleasant she may choose to wear pants instead of a dressor skirt. However, if it is a warm sunny day she may choose to wear askirt or dress. Even when a woman wears a skirt or short dress on aclear day there is always the likelihood she will encounter a breeze atsome point while she is outdoors. When the wind picks up, or even when amild breeze increases in strength, most women wearing a skirtinstinctively throw their hands down against the skirt to prevent itfrom blowing up and revealing her undergarments to the public. If shecarries a handbag, umbrella, or other parcel, this situation quicklybecomes very annoying and has the potential to publicly embarrass her.Trying to walk outside and keep one's short dress in place on a breezyday is a difficult and awkward task.

Millions of skirt-wearing women around the world would agree there is aclear and present need for a commercial product that allows women towear a skirt, short dress, or other garment outdoors without fear theoutfit may embarrass her.

The inventor of this patent often incurred this publicly embarrassingskirt-flying problem. The primary task was finding the most efficientmethod of attachment that did not put holes in the skirt, dress, orother garment. During a 10-month research and development phase, theinventor manufactured several custom skirt weight designs usingdifferent methods of attachment.

The first design was an upside-down money clip attached to the back of ajeweled brooch. Although technically it worked, the brooch did not stayon the skirt hem for very long; it fell off after just a few minutes inuse. The inventor determined the clasp needs a stronger method ofattachment to hold onto the skirt regardless of the fabric's thickness.The inventor determined it is possible and probable to use an invertedmoney clip attached to a jeweled brooch as a functional and decorativebrooch skirt weight.

Next, the inventor designed and manufactured a decorative jeweled broochwith a pinch clasp attached to the back of it. The pinch clasp held ontothe skirt hem; however the size of the pinch clasp was longer than thebrooch so it extended past the edges of the brooch and was visible atthe bottom of the skirt. There was some difficulty finding a small claspthat was strong enough to carry the weight of the brooch; however it ispossible and probable to use a custom size pinch clasp attached to ajeweled brooch as a functional and decorative brooch skirt weight.

The inventor also attached sewing magnets to jeweled brooches since theyare specifically designed to use as closures for clothing pockets orpurses; however the weak strength of the sewing magnet set was foundinsufficient to hold the jewelry-clad brooch in place.

Finally, the inventor used a set of neodymium magnets. The first set ofmagnets were too strong and had the unwanted side effect of attractingeverything else in the vicinity with magnetic properties—the magnetsattached to the skirt were attracted to an oven, a garage door, a cardoor, a refrigerator, and the metal cubicle walls at an office! Thus, ittook the inventor 20 rounds of trial and error using neodymium magnetsto find the right magnetic pull strength to use as a method ofattachment for decorative brooch skirt weights. The inventor determinedthe preferred method of attachment for brooch skirt weights is a set ofneodymium or ferrite magnets; attach or embed one magnet to the back ofthe brooch and provide a partner magnet. The partner magnet may be aseparate stand-alone object or it may attach to the brooch via a smalllength of flexible fabric, ribbon, wire, or other means.

Based on her research and development, the inventor discovered theprimary source of weight in the skirt weight is the decorativebrooch—not the magnets or other method of attachment. The weight foreach skirt weight set consists of the total weight for the jewelry-cladbrooch and the method of attachment. If a sample manufactured broochturns out to be too lightweight, then add more weight to the basematerial of the brooch; this may include metal plating or designing athicker base for the brooch. The brooch skirt weight set should be heavyenough to keep the skirt in place during a breeze, yet light enough sothe user does not feel uncomfortable or weighed down. The inventor'sresearch indicated the total weight for each skirt weight set (a set isone brooch with a method of attachment) should be between one half ounce(0.5 oz.) and five ounces (5 oz.).

The minimum weight per skirt weight set is one half ounce (0.5 oz.). Themaximum weight per skirt weight set is five ounces (5 oz.). As a pointof reference, one ounce (1 oz.) equals the weight of six teaspoons ofsugar or a slice of bread; two ounces (2 oz.) equals the weight of twoslices of bread or 10 quarters; and five ounces (5 oz.) is the averageweight of a deck of cards or a cell phone. Eight ounces (8 oz.) is theaverage weight of an energy drink in a can, or a container of yogurt.Any more weight than five ounces (5 oz.) per set may prove uncomfortablyheavy for the user to wear.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

Patent US 20130104291A1 (Kathryn Lee Daniel) discloses “nomonroe garmentweights” that use either a snap or pin needle attachment; both methodscreate holes in fabrics. Daniel's claim 1 requires a female snap and amale snap, and claim 2 requires an operable pin to secure the basemember to the garment. The product of this invention, functionaldecorative brooch skirt weights, is different than US 20130104291 A1because a) it attaches near the hem of a skirt via a method that doesnot put holes in clothing; preferably a set of magnets, a tie clasp, ora money clip; and b) it uses the weight of the brooch as the weightfactor. Daniel does not provide a preferred minimum or maximum weightfactor for her product design.

Patent US 20080189831 (Catherine Ann Jones) discloses “garment weights”that hold a skirt or dress in place. The product has a removable weightthat connects to a clamp, clasp, adhesive, magnetic coupling, pin,clothespin, and/or any other known device. It requires a connectingmember that may be a cord, loop, strap, chain, and/or any other knownand/or item capable of connecting the attachment. Additionally, FIG. 1in Patent US 20080189831 indicates the weight attaches to aspring-loaded clip by a string and dangles from the clasp; FIG. 2 showsthe garment weights placed in the middle of the skirt; and FIG. 3indicates three dangling weights. The product of this invention issignificantly different from Jones' patent because it does not use acord, loop, strap, chain or a spring-loaded clasp that dangles from theskirt and the intended placement is not in the middle of the skirt, itis near the hem.

Jones' patent states in claim 2 “the device of claim 1 wherein saidweight is removably connected to said connecting member”. The product ofthis invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is differentfrom Jones' Patent US 20080189831 because the weight is the jeweledbrooch and the method of attachment; the weight is not removable to theconnecting member in this situation; a magnet or tie-clasp method ofattachment on the back of the brooch is not removable either.

Jones patent states in claim 6 “attachment device is selected from thegroup consisting of a clamp, clip, clasp, adhesive, and magneticcoupling”. Jones provides no evidence of how to replace the clamp, clip,or clasp for use as a magnetic coupling. Assuming the spring-loadedclasp is replaced by a magnet, Jones' patent does not indicate how toattach a weighted string to a magnet. The product of this invention,functional decorative brooch skirt weights, reveals several methods(e.g., a strip of cloth, fabric, ribbon, metal or other flexiblematerial) to attach a magnet to fabric or other flexible material.

Patent US D49021651 (Melanie Kathryn Powell) discloses a “magneticweight set for dresses, skirts, and the like”—it is a design patent forskirt weights using two standard magnets, one of them centered on thereverse side of a design. There are several differences between PatentUS D49021651 and the product of this invention, functional decorativebrooch skirt weights, as described below.

A design patent protects only the appearance of the article and not thestructural or utilitarian features; they do not protect the functionalfeatures of a product. Patent US D49021651 is a design patent thatspecifies only three rough hand-drawn designs: one US flag shape, oneheart-shape, and one flower shape; thus, all other graphic designs areavailable to use. Since a design patent does not protect utilitarian orfunctional features then it cannot protect the intended use—that is, touse as a weight to keep a skirt down on a breezy day.

In Patent US D49021651, Powell does not disclose where to place themagnet set; in Patent US 20130104291A1, Daniel says to place the“nomonroe garment weights” near the hem of a skirt, and in Patent US20120137412A1, Jones advises to place the “garment weights” in thecenter of the skirt. The inventor of this patent found from her researchthe best placement of the magnet actually depends on the design andweight of the brooch with the method of attachment. In at least onecase, if a magnet is placed in the center of the back of the brooch andthe brooch is too heavy at the top, the brooch will lean forward awayfrom the skirt rather than stay aligned with it. In this case, when abrooch design is long or heavier than expected, it is preferable toplace the magnet closer to the top back of the design to help the broochmaintain alignment with the dress and not look as if it is going to falloff.

There are two inherent problems with Powell, Daniel, and Jones' patents.One problem is that magnets are extremely light weight. The majority ofcommercial magnets weigh just a few grams. For example, a typical roundneodymium magnet that is ¾″ diameter and 1/32″ thick weighs 0.0599 oz.(1.70 grams). A typical round neodymium magnet that is ⅝″ diameter and1/32″ thick weighs 0.0416 oz. (1.18 grams). A typical round neodymiummagnet that is ⅜″ diameter and 1/32″ thick weighs 0.0150 oz. (0.424grams). Therefore using two identical ¾″ diameter magnets would onlyresult in 3.4 grams; using two identical ⅝″ diameter magnets would onlyresult in 2.36 grams; and using two identical ⅜″ diameter magnets wouldonly result in 0.848 grams. The author of this patent, functionaldecorative brooch skirt weights, found the weight of most magnets wasnot sufficiently heavy enough to keep a dress down on a breezy day.Thus, the weight for skirt weights should be the sum of the weight of ajeweled brooch and the method of attachment, as indicated in this patentfor functional decorative brooch skirt weights.

The second problem with Powell, Daniel, and Jones' patents is they donot acknowledge that magnets generally have a very strong magnetic pullforce. If you choose a set of magnets with a very strong pull force theyare likely to have the unwanted side effect of attracting other magneticobjects in the vicinity. The inventor of this patent found during herresearch and development that some magnet samples were so strong theyclinged to the refrigerator, a stove, a garage door, and a car, with theskirt still attached. For example, a typical round neodymium magnet thatis ½″ diameter and ⅛″ thick has a magnetic pull force of 6.44 lbs. Atypical round neodymium magnet that is ⅞″ diameter and 15/16″ thick hasa magnetic pull force of 7.7 lbs. Thus, to use two identical ½″ diameterneodymium magnets with a pull force of 6.44 lbs. would result in acombined pull force of 12.88 lbs. That is sure to attract a lot ofnearby magnetic objects. The author of this patent determined the bestcombined magnetic pull force of two magnets should be no less than onepound (1 lb.) and no more than four pounds (4 lbs.).

In Patent US D49021651, Powell does not state the types of material thebrooch parts are made of or which embellishments (e.g., gems, fabric,plastic, etc.) are acceptable. The product of this invention is designedto resemble fashion jewelry and recommends using any combination ofprecious or non-precious gems, genuine or artificial gems, as wellfabric, natural materials, or photos, etc. The design options areendless.

Patent US 20120137412 (Catherine Ann Jones) discloses “garment weights”in this revised patent. This version shows another embodiment of theoriginal device where the first end connects to a point on an attachmentand a second end attaches to a weight assembly. The weight assembly maypermanently attach to a connecting member by adhesive or other permanentmethod; it may also use a clip, hook, or other device. The product ofthis invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is differentthan Patent US 20120137412 because it does not have any danglingstringed weights (as indicated in Jones' FIG. 1), it resembles fashionjewelry and it uses the weight of the decorative brooch as the weightfactor. In Jones' patent, claim 1 requires “an opening in said weightassembly” and claim 4 states “wherein said attachment member is aspring-loaded clip”. The product of this invention does not require anopening in the brooch assembly and it does not require a spring-loadedclip—preferably it uses a set of permanent magnets, however it may alsouse a tie-clasp or money clip configuration, which may be attachedto—not necessarily embedded in—the brooch.

Patent US D457465 (Linda Hollingsworth) discloses a “women's garmentclip” in the shape of a human hand. As in the same case as Powell'sPatent US D49021651, it is merely a design patent—which only protectsthe specific design illustrated in the patent; it does not include themethod of manufacture and does not restrict rights from other designs.Hollingsworth's description of the invention claims “the interiorsurface is indicative of the finger tips in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 areindicative of friction enhancing material” however FIGS. 3, 4 and 6appear to use a spring-loaded clip. The product of this design,functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is different fromHollingsworth's patent because the design is not of a human hand, thedesigns resemble fashion jewelry, and they preferably use a set ofmagnets, tie-clasp, or money clip as the method of attachment.

Patent US 724518 (Sutton) discloses a “skirt elevator” that holds down askirt in the breeze by hanging a set of weights from the waist.Specifically, Sutton's claim 2 requires “the combination of twosuspenders, a bar from which they depend, hooks on the bar whereas it issupported on the belt of a dress”. The weights hang down at the user'ssides on the outside of the skirt, holding it against the user's bodywhen a gust of wind rises. However, the consumer may eventually find theweights hanging at her side tiring, too heavy, and the weightsconstantly hitting her hips and legs could prove uncomfortable.Potential consumers may also consider them unattractive and distractingfrom her outfit. The product of this patent, functional decorativebrooch skirt weights, is superior to Sutton's design because it isintended to resemble fashion jewelry and they are worn near the hem of askirt or short dress, which is far less intrusive and more attractivethan having chains hanging from one's waist.

Patent US 614189 (the Kur) discloses “Albert S. dress weights” that usea series of weights or leads, preferably an elliptical flattened leadweight aperture at each end. The weights are on a cord or line thatpasses through holes and forms loops that hold the weights evenly spacedapart. Specifically, Kur claims a “dress-weight structure, comprisingweights provided with apertures and with slits extending from thesaid-apertures to the edges of the weights, and a continuous cordpassing through the apertures and around the edges of the weights inloops”. The product of this invention, functional decorative broochskirt weights, is different from Patent US 614189 because it looks likefashion jewelry or brooches near the hem of a skirt or short dress, asopposed to an unattractive series of lead weights draping from a skirt.

Patent US 20120233741 A1 (Watson) discloses “wedding veil weights” anddescribes magnetic weights attached to a fabric, specifically to awedding veil, that holds the garment in place during a breeze. Theproduct of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights,is significantly different from Patent US 20120233741 A1 becauseWatson's claim 3 states “the second magnet is a non-magnetic material .. . ” and claim 4 states “Wherein said first magnet is a non-magneticmaterial . . . ” Claim 7 requires “in combination with a wedding veilformed of a light weight fabric having opposed planar upper and lowersurfaces, means for attaching the veil to a wearer's head.” The productof this invention preferably uses two permanent magnets and although itis permissible to embed or attach a magnet to the back of the jeweledbrooch, the second magnet is not required to be embedded in a material,and the product of this invention does not attach to the user's head.Also, for a set of magnets to work a magnet must attract to anothermagnetic item; you cannot have “a second magnet that is non-magneticmaterial”. Finally, the product of this invention allows using othermethods of attachment such as clasp, tie-clip, or money clip; using aset of magnets is preferred but it is not required.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,721,571 B2 (Rose, et al.) discloses “clothing jewelry”that is placed near the hem of a skirt, the cuffs of pants, at the endsof long sleeves of a blouse or jacket, and is removable and replaceable.The claims describe a series of loops and chains with releasablefasteners, such as pins, to attach to the garment. It is fashionaccessory without any intended functional use and does not describe anyintended purpose to keep a skirt down during a breeze. The product ofthis invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, issignificantly different from U.S. Pat. No. 7,721,571 B2 because it doesnot involve chains, links, or pins (which may put pinholes in thegarment) as the method of attachment; it uses a decorative brooch andhas a different specific use—i.e., to keep a skirt or short dress downand in place on a breezy day.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,900,277 A (Kerry K. O'Brien and Louise Gagnon) disclosea “weighted slip” for use as a clothing undergarment, it is designed toprevent the undergarment from riding up under a dress or skirt. Itdescribes a half-slip and a full-body slip with concealed pocketscarrying weights. The product of this invention, functional decorativebrooch skirt weights, is significantly different from U.S. Pat. No.7,900,277 because it is not worn as an undergarment; it is a decorativeand functional clothing accessory that attaches near the exterior hem ofa skirt or short dress. It also uses a decorative brooch as the primarysource of weight rather than concealing lead weights in pockets.

Patent US 20090025124 (Elizabeth Gearhart) discloses a “weightedundergarment” that is very similar to U.S. Pat. No. 7900277 A, describedabove. This product specifies a weight made of magnet, butyl rubber,metal, vinyl, or plastic. The product of this invention, functionaldecorative brooch skirt weights, is significantly different from PatentUS 20090025124 because it is not an undergarment; it is used as adecorative and functional clothing accessory that attaches near theexterior hem of a skirt or dress.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,024,957 A (Adolph Wein) discloses a “dress-weight tape”for dresses, skirts, draperies, or wedding veils. It describes a seriesof lead weights embedded in an open mesh fabric. The product of thisinvention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is significantlydifferent from U.S. Pat. No. 1,024,957A because it does not use meshtape or lead weights, it uses decorative functional brooch and eithermagnets, a tie-clip clasp, or a money clip as the method to that attachthe brooch near the hem of skirt or short dress.

Patent US 005974634A (Eisenpresser) discloses “decorative multi-usemagnetic buttons” to use for earrings, tie tacks, pins, fasteners, paperweights, and collar buttons. It is for magnetic buttons that have theappearance of an ordinary button but attaches to a garment closure andhold the flaps together by inherent magnetic attraction. It isessentially for a type of sewing magnet. Although it specifies a set oftwo magnets, one having a permanent decorative shell, the similaritiesend there. An additional object of Eisenpresser's invention is toprovide a magnetic earring for people who do not pierce their ears. Theproduct of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights,requires a weight factor to keep a skirt down on a breezy day, which,used as an earring would be far too heavy to wear; conversely, theearring use would be too light to use as a skirt weight. Furthermore,Eisenpresser's claim 1C requires a decorative shell having a convexouter surface on the side opposite said cavity; claim 1D requires thefirst permanent magnet to be centrally located within said cavity; andclaim 1E requires a base comprising at disk covering said cavity . . .an outer rim of the shell curled over said base to maintain the disk inplace. The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirtweights, does not require a convex outer shell, or a permanent magnetcentrally located within a brooch cavity, or an outer rim of the shellto be curled over the side.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,936,198 (Kirsch Co.) discloses “weight for curtains anddraperies” that are sewn into the hem of a curtain. Kirsh's claim 3requires “a weight comprising a relatively flat body of suitablematerial having parallel front and rear faces, and having a hollow spaceinwardly of its peripheral edges, there being a pin receiving opening insaid weight . . . ” The product of this invention, functional decorativebrooch skirt weights, applies to skirts and short dresses, not curtains.It is also superior to U.S. Pat. No. 1,936,198 because it does notrequire a pin or sewing anything into the skirt or dress which couldalter the length of the item and cost extra time and money to have itprofessionally sewn. It is faster and easier to apply the skirt weightsof this invention as needed, rather than permanently altering clothingwhich would also potentially make the item difficult to clean using astandard clothes washing machine or dryer since the lead weights mayrust and stain the clothing.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,088,295 (Mervyn VT Haines) discloses a “fasteneradapter” for dresses, coats, shoes, hats, bathing suits, bathing caps,and handbags. The fastener has two parts; one part attaches to anornamental decoration and the other part is loose. It uses a pin and agripper with a clamping device. Specifically Haines' Claim G requires “apin projecting from said disc to pierce the supporting structure when amating element is mounted upon the supporting structure”; Claim Hrequires “a gripper having a second clamping surface, said gripper beingremovably engageable with said pin . . . ” This fastener adapter wouldnot work in place of the product of this invention because the pin wouldhave the undesirable effect of putting a hole in the skirt or dress. Theuser would have to put the pin-style brooch skirt weights exactly wherethe holes are every time she wears the skirt or the pin skirt weightswould result in additional pinholes in the skirt.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,237,261 (Louis Homonoff) discloses a “curtain weight” asa removable drapery weight. It is a button with a closed front, an openback, and has a lip around the opening at the back. Inside the buttonthere is a lead or other metal weight. The weights attach to the draperywith the closed front exposed. The button uses a pin to attach to thedrapery and keep the metal weight in position. This removable draperyweight would not work in place of the product of this invention becausethe pin would have the undesirable effect of putting a hole in the skirtor short dress, as described in the previous paragraph.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,344 (Daniel G Baughman) discloses a “pin withdetachable face” to use for nametags, golf ball markers, jewelry, lapelpins, and tie tacks, etc. The pin attaches to clothing or other surfacesand has a readily detachable face. The pin face has a thin circular discand a decorative surface. It may also use a snap closure or otherlocking mechanism. The decorative aspect does not form part of theinvention. The product of this invention, functional decorative broochskirt weights, is different from U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,344 because it doesnot use a pin or other locking mechanism to attach to clothing, and theskirt weights include the decorative aspect as an object of invention.The intention of the skirt weight is to resemble fashion jewelryspecifically worn near the hem of a skirt or short dress and to keep thegarment down during a breeze.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,206 (Ryan H. Benson) discloses a “snap togetherbadge and clip” that attach to clothing as temporary nameplates,nametags, badges, or buttons. It uses a wire clasp and an S-shape bodyto receive the back plate. The product of this invention, functionaldecorative brooch skirt weights, is different from U.S. Pat. No.4,597,206 because it does not use a pin or other locking mechanism toattach to clothing, and putting a snap-together pin at the bottom of askirt would damage the skirt. The product of this invention uses methodsof attachment that do not damage clothing; such as magnets, a tie-clasp,or money clip.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,155 (Donna M. Law) discloses “jewelry withinterchangeable ornamentation” as it relates to jewelry having a post,clasp, or other means of attachment to the body or clothing. It revealsa method for the consumer to change the ornament on a standard backplate. The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirtweights, is different from U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,206 because it does notuse a pin or other locking mechanism to attach to clothing. The productof this invention uses methods of attachment that do not damageclothing; such as magnets, a tie-clasp, pinch clasp, or money clip. Thisreasoning applies to all snap closures and locking devices uses onbadges, nametags, buttons and other pins.

Patent US 20110219587 (Amit Nizan) discloses a “decorative assembly forattachment to fabrics” as it relates to clothing, table cloths,curtains, picnic blankets, and other fabrics that can reduce oreliminate adverse effects created by wind. It describes a removable,magnetic decorative accessory using two magnets. Although Patent US20110219587 requires magnets, claim 2 requires “the metallic member isin the shape of a washer and has a hole” and claim 14 requires “a backmember including a magnetic member encased within an encasement member”.The product of this patent, functional decorative brooch skirt weights,does not require the decorative brooch to have “a metallic member in theshape of a washer and a hole” nor does it require the magnet to beencased or embedded in the back of the brooch; it may be attached to it.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,754,307 (Dhj Ind Inc.) discloses a “garment clip” of aU-shape having two leg portions joined by a spring loop and is made ofplastic or similar inexpensive material. It is designed for use todisplay, ship, or store thick garments such as double-knit shirts orsweaters. Once the garment is purchased the consumer generally takes theclip off and puts it in the trash. The product of this invention,functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is significantly differentfrom U.S. Pat. No. 3,754,307 because the skirt weights are not made ofplastic; they have a decorative element that resembles fashion jewelry;you do not throw them away after a single use; and the consumer'spurpose for using it is completely different. A small lightweightplastic clip is not likely to prevent a skirt from flying up in abreeze, and it would look like the consumer forgot to remove the storeclip before she put the skirt on.

There is a skirt weight available for sale to the public under the brandname “Tandem New York” however this product is designed specifically foruse by female bicycle riders. The design features an illustration ofbicycle wheel spokes. It has a clip base approximately one inch (1″)square and a round design above it approximately one inch (1″) indiameter showing wheel spokes. The square area is where the clasp locksin place on both sides of a skirt hem; the round design does not have aclasp behind it. This product is sold as an item to prevent skirts fromblowing up in the wind while a female rides a bike; consumers may alsouse it to keep a scarf in place or pants hems from getting stuck in abicycle chain.

The product of this invention is similar in theory to the Tandem NewYork brand of bike skirt weights; however, it is significantly differenttoo. The Tandem New York brand is a single clip designed to use on oneside; thus, some users have voiced minor complaints of feelingoff-balance. The product of this patent, functional decorative broochskirt weights, sells its product in sets of two brooches. It isrecommended the user place one set on the left side of her skirt and theother set on the right side; this distributes the weight evenly so theuser feels balanced and has breeze protection on both sides.

The Tandem New York brand does not look like a jewelry-inspired brooch,it has just one design—the bicycle wheel spokes. The product of thispatent, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, has a variety offashion jewelry options that users can wear on their skirt or shortdress. Preferably, it also uses a set of magnets as the method ofattachment to the skirt; the Tandem New York brand uses a clip and lockmechanism that is entirely different. Finally, the inventor of theTandem New York product does not have a patent for it—she has atrademark for the brand.

A brand of “nomonroe clips” is also available for purchase by the publicon a bicycle ecommerce store in the United Kingdom. The word “nomonroe”appears to be a play on the words and concept that the user will have“no Marilyn Monroe” experience by using this skirt clip. The word orbrand “nomonroe” does not have a trademark and appears to have no linkto the Kathryn Lee Daniel's Patent US 20130104291A1 which discloses“nomonroe garment weights” previously described. The product resembles amoney clip with a decorative cover, such as leather, suede, a texturecover, etc. The base material is likely a single piece of stainlesssteel approximately six inches (6″) long by one inch (1″) wide, foldedin half so the end-product is approximately three inches (3″) long byone inch (1″) wide. The user should place each side of the clip aroundthe skirt hem and push one side into the other. It does not appear thatthis product has a patent in the US.

The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirtweights, is significantly different from the nomonroe product on the UKbicycle website. The nomonroe product uses a money clip style, whichdoes not appear to have a suitable clamping mechanism, as result it isnot likely to work properly on different skirt thicknesses or work forvery long periods of time. The nomonroe brand is sold as a single clip;the product of this invention is sold in sets of two brooches so theuser feels an equal balance of weight on her skirt. Furthermore theinventor of this product of this invention, functional decorative broochskirt weights, studied the weight factors necessary and various methodsof attaching the brooch skirt weights to the skirt; having tried asimilar method herself, it is her professional opinion that the nomonroemoney clip method used in the product is not likely to stay on for verylong.

Finally, there is a third skirt weight product very similar to theproduct of this invention because it features a brooch, specifically ajeweled Swarovski brooch (Swarovski AG is an Austrian producer of luxurybrand cut glass or crystals). Upon further investigation, the websiteowner states on a separate personal resume webpage that the skirt weightwebsite is “an informational site about a fake product made up for amarketing project”. One can tell the product on the fake website is notreal because, a) the website does not have a photo or description of howthe item attaches to a skirt, b) there is no price listed, and c) the“Buy Now” button leads to an email contact form. Swarovski's authenticwebsite does not mention this product or sell “skirt weights” anywhereon it. Therefore, this product holds no claim because it is fake, itexists only in theory, and it does not have any patent protection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In conjunction with the drawings provided, the objects of the presentinvention are evident from the following description and claims. Thedrawings depict typical embodiments of the invention and therefore donot limit the scope or the spirit of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the invention in its preferredembodiment—two decorative brooches with one magnet attached to each,both worn near the hem of a skirt. One decorative brooch is placed onthe left side; another decorative brooch is placed on the right side ofthe skirt.

FIG. 2 shows a front and back elevation of the invention in itspreferred embodiment using a set of two magnets; the back elevationfeatures the decorative brooch with the partner magnet attached to it.

FIG. 3 shows top and side elevations of the invention's unattachedpartner magnet has a cover. In this embodiment using magnets, the magnetcover is merely a design choice for the user's convenience, e.g., if youdrop the magnet on the floor the cover makes it easier to find.

FIG. 4 is a front and back elevation of the invention in an alternateembodiment where the partner magnet is attached to the brooch element bya cloth, fabric, or other flexible material. In this embodiment, thebrooch element is placed on the skirt near the hem and the flexiblematerial goes around the bottom of the skirt where the partner magnetmeets the back of the brooch magnet.

FIG. 5 is another alternate embodiment of the invention where it uses abrooch element with a magnet attached to it and a partner magnet, butthe brooch is attached to a clip or folded element at the bottom wherethe brooch element folds flat against the back of the skirt and thepartner magnet meets the brooch magnet.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of FIG. 5 alternate embodiment. It shows thebrooch element on one side of the skirt, the fold or clip is at thebottom of the skirt, and the partner magnet folds against the back ofthe skirt where the two magnets meet and hold the brooch in place.

FIG. 7 is a back elevation of the invention in an alternate embodimentwhere the method of attachment is a pinch clasp or tie clip mechanism.It shows the pinch clasp attached to the back of a round brooch and apinch clasp attached to the back of a flower-shaped brooch. In eachdesign the pinch clasp does not extend past the boundary of the brooch.

FIG. 8 is a front and back elevation of the invention in an alternateembodiment where the method of attachment resembles a money clip. Themoney clip should have the capability to clamp and hold the brooch nextto the garment for several hours per use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in thedrawings. The components of the present invention as illustrated in thefigures may be arranged and designed in a wide variety ofconfigurations. The following detailed descriptions of the embodimentsof the present invention, as represented in FIGS. 1 through 8, do notlimit the scope of the invention, they merely represent the presentpreferred embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a female wearing two decorative brooches near the hem of askirt. One decorative brooch is placed on the left side; the otherdecorative brooch is placed on the right side of the skirt. An outlineof the decorative brooch on the left indicates it technically is notvisible from this side view. 10 is the skirt. 20 is the decorativebrooch.

FIG. 2 shows a front elevation of the invention where 20 is the brooch,22 is an example of one of decorative crystal settings that resemblefashion jewelry FIG. 2 also shows the back view of 20 the decorativebrooch, and 30 a magnet attached to it.

FIG. 3 shows an example of 40 a partner magnet. The top view shows 42 acover attached to one side of 40 the partner magnet. It is not mandatorythat the partner magnet has a cover; it may be a stand-alone magnet.

FIG. 4 is a front and back elevation of an alternate embodiment of theinvention where the 20 brooch with a 30 magnet attached to the back alsoattaches to 50 a strip of cloth, fabric, metal, ribbon, or otherflexible material attaches to the 40 partner magnet. The 50 strip ofcloth, fabric, ribbon, metal, or other flexible material is glued to theback of 40 the partner magnet.

FIG. 5 is a front and back elevation of another alternate embodiment ofa clip with two parts each having a magnet. The 20 brooch has a 30magnet attached to the back and features a 55 clip or other foldedaspect at the bottom of the brooch, the 42 cover of the 40 partnermagnet folds up so that both magnets meet.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of FIG. 5 indicating how the user places the20 brooch on the exterior of the 10 skirt near them hem, with the 55folded clip directly under it, and the 42 cover with 40 partner magnetfold up on the opposite side of 10 the skirt and the magnets meet.

FIG. 7 is a back elevation of the invention in an alternate embodimentwhere the method of attachment is a pinch clasp or tie clip mechanism.60 is the pinch clasp attached to the back of a round 20 brooch and apinch clasp attached to the back of a flower-shaped 20 brooch. Thepreferred embodiment here shows in each design the pinch clasp does notextend past the boundary of the brooch.

FIG. 8 is a front and back elevation of the invention in an alternateembodiment where the method of attachment to the back of the 20 broochresembles a 70 money clip and 22 is a jewelry element (such as crystals)on the front of the 20 brooch.

There are two steps to manufacture the product of this invention: 1)fabricate the decorative brooches, and 2) attach or embed magnets (orother methods of attachment) to the back of the brooches. If usingmagnet sets, provide a suitable partner magnet for each brooch. Thispatent does not include any proprietary process to design or manufacturethe decorative brooch skirt weights or the method of attachment becausethe processes to create custom jewelry and fashion accessories arecommonplace in the global market. There are many standard techniques tochoose from and a wide variety of different metals and styles, etc. Infact, the design options are endless. To manufacture the brooch andmethod of attachment design the item and outsource manufacturing to aproduction facility anywhere in the world.

It is an object of this invention to provide an effective andfashionable device for women to keep their skirt, short dress, or othergarment in place when they are outdoors so they will not worry about thepossibility of public embarrassment when there is a breeze.

It is an object of this invention to specify magnets are the preferredmethod to attach the skirt weight set near the hem of a skirt or dress.A magnet is attached or embedded to the back of one decorative brooch.The user places the decorative brooch near the hem on the exterior sideof a skirt or dress so that it is visible to the public. A partnermagnet “attaches” to the brooch magnet under the skirt or dress; it isnot visible to the public.

It is an object of this invention to identify the preferred placement ofthe skirt weights on a skirt or short dress. The preferred placement forthe two skirt weights is to place one brooch set near the hem on leftside of a skirt, and place one brooch set near the hem on the right sideof the skirt. Alternatively, a user may place one skirt weight near thehem in the front of the skirt, and the other skirt weight in the back ofthe skirt near the hem (however, this placement did not work wellbecause the brooches forced the skirt to gather between the knees makingit awkward to walk). Users may also choose to place the skirt weightsanywhere on a skirt or dress at the hemline that they desire; forexample, she may choose to place skirt weights in the front or bothskirt weights in the back. Users may also use more than two sets ofbrooch skirt weights for particularly breezy days.

It is an object of this invention to specify the weight of the eachskirt weight set is the sum of the weight of the brooch and alldecorative jewelry items plus the weight of the method of attachment.Minimally, the weight requirement is one half ounce (0.5 oz.) per skirtweight. The maximum weight per skirt weight is five ounces (5 oz.).

It is an object of this invention to specify when the method ofattachment is a set of magnets, the combined magnetic pullforce/strength of the two magnets should be no less than one pound (1lb.).

It is an object of this invention that the product has a decorativefront resembling fashion jewelry. The back of each skirt weight may alsobe decorative but it is not necessary.

The product of this invention uses standard manufacturing practices tocraft the brooch element. The techniques to make brooches and otherfashion jewelry elements are widely known by jewelry manufacturersworldwide. The product of this invention holds no proprietary techniqueto manufacture the brooch element. The preferred requirement is toaccurately describe the brooch element to a professional jewelrydesigner or manufacturer until the sample version is acceptable and thenoutsource production to them.

In the spirit of protecting the end-product of this invention, it is anobject of this invention to specify alternate methods of attachment tothe skirt or other garment. Whereas, all other elements resemble theproduct of this invention, it is an object of this invention to includealternate methods to attach the brooch to the garment, preferablywithout putting holes in fabric. These methods include but are notlimited to a clamp, clasp, pinch-clasp, clip, tie-clip, or money clip.When using two magnets per brooch, if the partner magnet is not astand-alone object, the methods of attaching the magnet to the broochmay include using a strip of cloth, fabric, ribbon, metal, or otherflexible material to attach the partner magnet to the brooch.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A skirt weight consisting of a decorativebrooch element and a method of attachment that attaches near the hem ofa dress, skirt, or other garment to prevent it from blowing up during abreeze.
 2. A skirt weight as stated in claim 1 where the preferredplacement of two skirt weights is one skirt weight placed near the hemon the left side of garment and one skirt weight placed near the hem onthe right side of the garment.
 3. A skirt weight as stated in claim 1where the method of attachment is a set of two magnets, or a clamp,clasp, pinch-clasp, clip, tie-clip, money clip, or other similarattachment. Preferably the attachment does not put holes in the garment.4. A skirt weight as stated in claim 1 where the decorative broochelement is the primary source of weight in the skirt weight; the totalweight includes the brooch element and the weight of the method ofattachment. The total weight for one brooch skirt weight is no less thanone half ounce (0.5 oz.); the maximum weight for one brooch skirt weightis five ounces (5 oz.).
 5. A skirt weight as stated in claim 1 where thedecorative brooch element resembles fashion jewelry.